FUNDAMENTALS OF OPTOMETRY AND VISION CARE

Abstract

Optometry is a primary healthcare profession dedicated to the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders of the visual system. This chapter provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of optometry and vision care, encompassing the anatomy and physiology of the human eye, the principles of optics and refraction, the classification and clinical management of common refractive errors, binocular vision disorders, and ocular disease. It further examines the scope of the optometric examination, the instrumentation central to modern clinical practice, and the expanding role of the optometrist within the broader healthcare system. An understanding of these foundational concepts is essential for students and practitioners seeking to provide evidence-based, patient-centred vision care across diverse clinical and community settings.